We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 National Register SPTA Advocacy Awards: Illinois Psychological Association, Nebraska Psychological Association, and Ohio Psychological Association. These three associations will receive a $5,000 prize in recognition of their outstanding advocacy accomplishments and be honored at the Division 31 social hour at the APA Convention.
We’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to these three associations, and particularly their board members, executive directors, staff and volunteers who do such wonderful work. Please take a moment and read more about their outstanding accomplishments. Click the state name for a link to their release.
Illinoisopens in new window
April D. Fernando, PhD, member of the National Register Board of Directors and Chair of the National Register’s SPTA Advocacy Award Committee, said of the Illinois Psychological Association: “The Committee was incredibly impressed with the results of IPA’s advocacy work to advance parity and reimbursement, specifically the dramatic increase in mandated reimbursement floors, audit protections for providers, and regulatory enforcement of parity. We were also delighted with their work to protect psychologists’ scope of practice and licensure and their proactive efforts to lead conversations on the regulation of AI, psychedelics, and crisis care. Truly remarkable accomplishments – congratulations to IPA!”
After receiving notice of the award, Sue H. Bae, PhD, IPA Immediate Past President, stated, “This award is a powerful testament to the relentless dedication of our legislative committee and the collective strength of our entire membership. True advocacy is never a solo effort; it requires a deeply committed team working together to turn complex policy challenges into meaningful legislative victories. This recognition from the National Register belongs to every single volunteer, committee member, and advocate of IPA who has given their time and voice to championing the profession and the communities we serve across Illinois. While we are incredibly proud of what this team has built over the past years, our committee remains focused on the vital work ahead.”
Nebraskaopens in new window
Fernando said of the Nebraska Psychological Association: “The Committee was incredibly impressed with the results of NPA’s advocacy work to addresses the broken relationship between behavioral health providers and Nebraska’s managed care organizations (MCOs) through audit transparency, appeals protection, statute of limitations, proportionality standard, and dup process. We were also delighted that NPA was able to secure Medicaid reimbursement for doctoral psychology interns. Truly remarkable accomplishments – congratulations to NPA!”
After receiving notice of the award, Carmen Skare, NPA Executive Director, stated, “NPA is extremely honored to receive the National Register’s SPTA Advocacy Award recognizing the relentless work of our very dedicated volunteers. The successful passage of two bills addressing Medicaid audits and psychology intern reimbursement during a single session is an extraordinary outcome for NPA, and evidence that small SPTAs can achieve landmark legislative victories through persistence, expertise, and heart. It acknowledges the power of psychologists who believe deeply in their mission and act on it. We now focus on diligently monitoring implementation of the new requirements and continuing our efforts to build strong advocacy coalitions as we address our state’s access-to-care and workforce shortage challenges.”
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Fernando said of the Ohio State Psychological Association: “The Committee was incredibly impressed with the results of OPA’s advocacy work to secure state funding for their pilot project to attract top interns to Ohio and establish the state’s first doctoral internship program in all six of state-run psychiatric hospitals. We were equally impressed with their efforts to successfully reform the insurance practice of skimming 3-5% off the top of ETF reimbursements to health and behavioral health providers. Truly remarkable accomplishments – congratulations to OPA!”
After receiving notice of the award, Dustin J. McKee, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Psychological Association, stated, “We are honored to receive the SPTA Advocacy Award from the National Register. Psychologists in Ohio and across the nation want to make sure that everyone has access to quality mental healthcare when they need it. Everything we advocate for is centered on helping our loved ones and fellow citizens access this life saving care. From defending the independent practice of psychology and protecting access to care for vulnerable populations – to growing the psychological care workforce and reforming insurance – OPA will continue to work everyday to achieve that goal.”
Finally, we'd like to thank the members of the National Register SPTA Awards Committee including April D. Fernando, PhD (Chair), Chuck Hollister, PhD, Michele McKinnie, PsyD, Kweku Ramel Smith, PhD, and Mayra Zoe Ortiz, PsyD. We are so appreciative of their work and the warm collaboration with APA Division 31.
For more information, visit the SPTA advocacy award pageopens in new window.
Andrew Boucher, CEO
National Register